Books The Confidence Gap: A Guide to Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt  by Russ Harris (Author), Steven Hayes PhD (Foreword)

"The Confidence Gap: A Guide to Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt" by Russ Harris, with a foreword by Steven Hayes PhD, is a practical and insightful guide rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The book reframes confidence not as the absence of fear or doubt but as the ability to act in alignment with one’s core values despite those feelings.

Harris emphasizes that genuine confidence arises from committed action toward meaningful goals rather than waiting to "feel" confident first. The book offers techniques, including cognitive defusion, to help readers separate themselves from negative thoughts and fears, and mindfulness practices to stay present and grounded. Central to the approach is identifying personal values, which provide motivation and direction for courageous behavior.